There are so many opportunities for single seniors who are seeking a new place to retire to. Making the decision to move to a new city can be a daunting challenge, but with a positive attitude and a good deal of time devoted to researching the area, the journey can be as exciting as the destination.
Here are 5 tips for single seniors retiring to a new city.
1. Ask yourself these questions: Do you want to live in a small college town or a big city? Does a retirement community appeal to you? How much can you afford for an apartment, condo, or small home? Does the new city have a good safety record? Does it have a diverse culture? Are the amenities suitable for your tastes? Will you be able to get around town easily?
2. Once you have answered these questions, you can select the top five cities that met your criteria. Now it is time to research these five cities online or at your local library. Check out maps, neighborhoods, affordable housing, crime rate statistics, hospitals, colleges, year round weather, recreational events, parks, cultural events, social networks, restaurants, downtown area, and farmer’s markets.
3. After you have chosen a city that meets all your needs, check the real estate listings online. Make a list of homes that are appealing. Then check out homes that are being sold exclusively by the owners. Add these to the list as well. Contact the real estate brokers via email and ask questions about the property and surrounding area. Call the individual owners who are selling and ask similar questions.
4. Check online forums for single seniors retiring to another city. Engage in a dialogue by listing the city you have decided upon. Ask for feedback from other single seniors who are, or have been, in a similar situation. They may have information you may not have considered.
5. Finally, after all the research and information exchange has been completed, and you have made your decision, it’s time to take a little trip. Spend a weekend in the city chosen. It may all seem familiar to you due to the extensive research, but being there can result in an entirely different experience. It can be all you thought it would be or not.
Retiring to another city can give you the jitters; that’s expected. But if you do your homework, the experience can be a rewarding one from the outset.
Remember, it is your decision; your time spent thoroughly researching the area, making calls, and asking questions. You have done everything the proper way – so put aside those jitters and enjoy the journey knowing that the final destination is exactly what you pictured in your mind’s eye. Now your new life can begin as a single senior retiring to a new city!
